Kapal Selam, says ChatGPT

One of the first names that appeared when I asked ChatGPT where to visit in Surabaya was Kapal Selam. “Kapal what?” Pangzi asked. “Monumen Kapal Selam,” I said, “or Submarine Monument as it is more commonly known as in English.” “And why are we going there again? Why not theme park?” “Because ChatGPT says so. …

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Feeling blue at MAPS Perak

I grew up watching Smurfs so when I heard about the new Movie Animation Park Studios in Malaysia, or MAPS Perak in short, I knew I had to go. “Daddy, is MAPS Perak a theme park?” Pangzi asked as we were taking the 30min ride there from Ipoh city. “Yes, it’s built around cartoon characters …

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Edaytown, where anyone can be a president

The whole point of a Kidzania-like experience is to inspire children to become a doctor, soldier, painter or… president. Pangzi made me take him to an interactive indoor theme park in Shanghai called Edaytown (星期8小镇), which was no different. Yet worlds apart. “Why come to Edaytown? You’ve already visited so many Kidzanias, including a similar …

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10 courts of hell at Haw Par Villa

Spare the cane? Sure. Because I have a better deterrent in Haw Par Villa. It’s one hell of a the theme park, literally. Someone has recently threatened to revamp it and bring back the joy rides, so better go before its closure. One unique attraction at Haw Par Villa that I’m sure will stay is …

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Nowhere to Escape in Penang

The short trip to Malaysia was never meant for Pangzi. After a few days of eating, shopping, sightseeing and chilling by the beach – exactly what a Penang tour should be and nothing else – he became extremely restless. “Daddy, why are we in Penang?” Pangzi asked in the cab on the way back to the hotel. …

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